IPHIGENIA
The gods have not decreed it.
The elder of these men doth bear the guilt
Of kindred murder; on his steps attend
The dread Erinnys. In the inner fane
They seized upon their prey, polluting thus
The holy sanctuary. I hasten now,
Together with my virgin-train, to bathe
The goddess' image in the sea, and there
With solemn rites its purity restore.
Let none presume our silent march to follow!
ARKAS
This hindrance to the monarch I'll announce
Commence not thou the rite till he permit.
IPHIGENIA
The priestess interferes alone in this.
ARKAS
An incident so strange the king should know.
IPHIGENIA
Here, nor his counsel nor command avails.